Brown to set blistering pace for new initiatives

London: Gordon Brown plans to set a blistering pace of initiatives in his first 100 days despite his arrival in No 10 being overshadowed by the car bomb attacks in London and Glasgow.

After months of political limbo during Tony Blair's farewell, Brown wants to demonstrate that a "new" government has set to work, addressing his key priorities of education, the health service and housing - as well as protecting the nation.

His first 100 days will culminate with the Labour Party conference in Bournemouth at the end of September. By then he hopes to have shown the voters there has been a "change" of government with a series of initiatives intended to show he is full of ideas for the future.

Brown had planned to begin his first full week as Prime Minister with a statement to Parliament yesterday on his plans to restore trust in politics and surrender historic powers delegated to his predecessors by the Queen.

That statement has been delayed until later in the week, with Jacqui Smith, the new Home Secretary, updating MPs on the terror threat.

However, Brown is still planning a whirlwind start to his premiership in a number of key policy areas:

The National Health Service: The approaching 60th anniversary of its founding will result in the NHS given Bank of England-style independence. There will be an independent board - at arms-length from government - responsible for the day-to-day running of hospitals, GP surgeries and other services. The Health Secretary will set the budget and decide targets and priorities.

Education: Having once been a sceptic, Brown will push ahead with city academy schools in England in deprived areas, which can be sponsored by organisations such as businesses, charities and churches.

Immigration and jobs

A "British jobs for British people" programme to meet concern that low-skilled workers are being priced out of work by cheap labour from abroad, particularly new entrant countries to the EU.

Transport: A 30-year rail strategy to be announced later this month could include plans for a futuristic high-speed lines carrying 299kph "bullet trains" between London and Scotland.

Hospital superbugs: A new drive to slash rates of MRSA and other hospital infections.